Cannova Yellow

Class

Monocotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Cannaceae

Order

Zingiberales

Genus

Canna

Species

indicates

Description

A perennial ornamental herb, with vigorous growth and an upright habit, reaching a height of between 0.90 and 1.20 metres. Its very showy spring-summer flowering consists of flowers gathered in striking spike-like inflorescences that rise amongst the foliage, characterised by a wide range of colours with varying shades and intensities depending on the variety. Easy to cultivate, it is used both to adorn outdoor planters and pots and in landscaping in flowerbeds, including those in traffic islands, as well as in mixed plantings with other species.

Species video

https://youtu.be/0-vp_IB3rvk

Variety description

It is a perennial plant that grows very well in summer and produces very striking flowers. It has flower spikes up to 100 centimetres long; some cultivars also have decorative foliage. Suitable for flowerbeds and eye-catching clusters in the garden.

Curiosities and special features

In its countries of origin , the species Indica – also known as achira, capacho or sago – is used for the rhizomes of certain varieties as a source of starch in cooking, for making bread, biscuits and cakes; furthermore, the stem is used to produce fodder for livestock, the leaves are used to wrap local foods or applied to burns to aid healing, whilst the seeds are used to make necklaces and rattles.

Origin and distribution

Wild species are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Caribbean and South America, where they are still cultivated both for ornamental purposes and in the agri-food sector as a source of starch. The first species of Canna to be introduced to England in the 16th century was C. indica, the botanist Charles de l’Ecluse, who first described it, confirmed its American origin, stating that it was given the name ‘indica’ not because the plant came from India but because this species was originally brought over from the Americas. From England, it spread throughout Europe, where it was regarded as an ornamental plant of great visual appeal, thanks to its distinctive spike-like inflorescences, which, like the foliage itself, come in a variety of colours, reflecting the numerous varieties available today.

Flower size

The individual flower is ofmedium size and is grouped in a striking inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has an oblong lamina, often with a prominent central rib and thin lateral veins.

Flowering period

The flowering period lasts from mid-spring to early autumn for between 150 and 180 days, adding a splash of colour to your garden for a long time.

Inflorescence

Spike-like inflorescence, highly decorative.

Leaf colour

Plain colours.

Plant height

The plant ranges in height from 0.9 to 1.2 metres, becoming a focal point in the landscape with a striking visual impact.

Lifespan

Herbaceous Perennial, suitable for warm temperate climate areas.

Where to plant

Ideal for outdoor spaces such as flowerbeds, outdoor planters, traffic island flowerbeds, window boxes, large flowerbeds and roundabouts. It therefore offers a highly attractive and decorative solution both for small green spaces, where flowering takes centre stage and adds significant decorative value, and for larger green areas where it creates visual perspectives, even when combined with other ornamental plants. It also helps to create a welcoming environment for butterflies and other pollinating insects, thereby fostering the biodiversity that is increasingly sought after and appreciated in our spaces, including urban areas.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous;the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, of medium size, with a funnel-shaped corolla and solid-coloured petals. It is arranged in large spike-like inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 150 and 180 days. It has sweet, honey-like notes; it is not very fragrant, with a delicate yet strong aroma.

Growth

A variety withmedium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

It has an Erect habit of growth that allows associations with other ornamental Species, creating an alternation of colours and heights with a pleasant overall movement.

Branching

The plant has a moderate tendency to branch out, giving it a well-bushy and well-proportioned appearance.

PH

The optimal pH of the soil or medium for cane indica varies from slightly acidic to alkaline, ranging from a minimum value of 6.0 to a maximum of 8.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting plants into the garden in spring, to ensure the plant develops properly, dig to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds and large stones, then work organic matter into the soil and, using a hoe, break up the larger clods to make the soil looser.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

To ensure the plant reaches its full aesthetic potential, we recommend placing it in full sun, sheltered from the wind; in low light, flowering may be limited or absent.

Ideal climate and temperature

It performs best, in terms of vegetative growth and flowering, in areas with a warm temperate climate.The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C.The biological temperature range is between 10 and 35 °C.

Use

Thanks to its spectacular flowering, it is widely appreciated as a plant for

outdoor ornamental use

Hardiness

It is highly hardy, particularly in warm temperate zones, where it performs best in flowerbeds or planters.

Soil

Prefers medium textured soil, light and amended. In planters and pots, a spring plant medium containing peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

An easy-to-maintain plant, requiring little management care and an overall low level of commitment.

Growing tips

To achieve the best results in terms of vegetative growth and flowering, the following cultivation practices should be taken into account:

Expose the plant to as much light as possible Avoid over-watering

Combinations with other plants

To achieve a balance of colour and perspective, Canna indica can be combined with other ornamental species such as Echinacea, Gaillardia, Rudbeckia, Helianthemum, Helianthus annuus, Lantana andZinnia. Combinations may feature shades of the same colour or an alternation of colours, choosing from the various available varieties to create patterns or designs according to personal preference. Even in a smaller space, such as planters or window boxes, it can be combined with plants featuring green or variegated foliage or, as in a garden, with species bearing flowers of different shades.

Planting

A suitable planting spacing in a flowerbed is of paramount importance for ensuring proper vegetative growth and a well-proportioned overall appearance; to this end, an average density of8 plants per square metre is recommended. Position each plant so that the root collar is above ground level, ensuring that the root balls are moist.

Pruning

At the end of flowering, cut off the withered Inflorescences at the base.

Propagation

By seed in early spring or by Division of rhizomes in January/March.

Repotting

Necessary when multiplying by Division of rhizomes or after possible sheltering of rhizomes if winter temperatures are cold.

Watering

During the warmer months, watering must be regular, using well water or, alternatively, mains water, either manually or via an irrigation system. When transplanting, water thoroughly for the first time, taking care to avoid waterlogging, and support the plant, which may be more susceptible to water stress in its new location. Thereafter, take care to keep the soil or growing medium consistently moist but free from waterlogging in order to prevent root rot and plant death, whilst also preventing periods of drought which can lead to yellowing of the leaves.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Use a balanced fertiliser specifically designed for ornamental plants. At temperatures between 12 and 19 °C, fertiliser should be applied locally at the base of the plant using a slow-release fertiliser; at higher temperatures, apply liquid fertiliser to the soil or growing medium, diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the recommended doses or application frequency.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

No toxicity following ingestion has been reported. Do not administer.

Edibility for humans

Some varieties are used in their countries of origin for food purposes as a source of starch for flours used in the preparation of bread, biscuits and other baked goods; they are also used in herbal medicine for the preparation of decoctions. Ornamental varieties are not edible.

Toxicity for humans

No cases of toxicity following ingestion by humans have been reported; avoid ingestion.

Tip

Always fertilise the plants well in order to have constant and abundant flowering. Never let the plants dry out in order not to have yellowing of the basal Leaf.